Cardiff Rugby Life Podcast Cardiff Rugby Life

The Cardiff Rugby Life Podcast is back with plenty to discuss after an international break over the last few weeks.

Cardiff RFC have been benefitting from consistent team selections and going well in an competition that seems to be making up it's format as it goes along, plus Cardiff Athletic Club get on the same page as Cardiff Rugby but now the Welsh Rugby Union stand in the way of a long-term lease at the Arms Park.

Wayne Pivac just about has more positive than negatives with Wales, although Jonathan Humphreys has work to do with the forwards, and Dai Young has altitude to deal with as the Blue and Blacks first team are in South Africa with a stronger than expected squad to meet the Lions.

Before any on-field action this week the big news in Cardiff Rugby has been that Taulupe Faletau is linked to a move to the Arms Park. Is he past it? Is it value for money? The major questions answered.

As well as that there has been a positive announcement as a supporter advisor to the Cardiff Rugby board will be elected over the next few weeks, but it is up to senior management to make sure it is a success, and not forget to communicate to supporters as a whole.

Finally, to on-field action as the Rags return to action with a big game against Newport, with a sub-plot of first team players getting ready for United Rugby Championship action, while Wales do about as well as could be expected against New Zealand but pick a confusing team to face South Africa.

Cardiff brought the first United Rugby Championship fixture block to a close with a hard fought win over the Dragons last weekend despite going down to 14 men, making the first five rounds acceptable but with harder challenges ahead.

Meanwhile the Rags keep pressure on Newport in the Indigo Group Premiership Cup, and it's thoughts and prayers with a depleted Wales ahead of facing the All Blacks on Saturday.

Cardiff returned to winning ways on Saturday with a strong win over Sharks displaying defensive and game management strength, but unfortunately the Rags could not quite get over the line at Merthyr ahead of games against Dragons and RGC this weekend.

Elsewhere, the WRU College League and BUCS Super Rugby continue, Hallam Amos is ready to be a doctor, there's a love letter to Dan Fish and the Welsh Rugby Union are still incompetent.

It's two defeats in two for Cardiff, but despite that there's an air of positivity to the podcast this week as we go well against the Bulls for 40 minutes which we can hopefully build on against the Sharks next week.

Meanwhile the Rags prove the proper link up between the first and second teams is working with a good win over Pontypridd to stay top of the Indigo Group Premiership Cup's eastern pool.

Finally, there's a quick look at the Wales squad for the Autumn Internationals, and Cardiff announce a first new signing for next season!

It's been a drama filled week with Cardiff losing to Ospreys, the Rags beating Ebbw Vale, plus Heineken Cup fixtures and mixed fortunes for the development pathway.

There has also been the trouble news reports regarding Cory Hill's behaviour while a Cardiff player and I take a look at the club's response, or lack of as the case turns out.

Finally, it's another busy weekend of rugby coming up as Pontypridd and the Bulls arrive at the Arms Park for two big games.